Once upon a time, in an orphanage filled with children, a young girl named Mother Farley, dressed as a middle-aged woman, watched over the lively bunch. The children, donned in their everyday play clothes, were reading, playing games, and enjoying themselves. Mother Farley sat in the center of the room, busily mending socks.
One of the boys, Teddy, with an excited look in his eyes, asked, “Mother Farley, are we going to have a Halloween party tonight?”
Mother Farley sighed and said, “No, Teddy, we are not.”
Teddy’s face fell. “I wish we were. I’ve been waiting all year for Halloween, just for the party. It’s a shame we can’t have one.”
“I understand, Teddy,” said Mother Farley. “I’m disappointed too. Halloween has always been a joyous time in our orphanage.”
A girl named Lucy, with curiosity in her voice, asked, “Why aren’t we having a party?”
“Well, Lucy,” explained Mother Farley, “there are more children in the orphanage this year than ever before. More food, shoes, and little suits are needed. Unfortunately, the cost of these necessities was so high this year that the directors didn’t have enough money left for a party.”
Another girl named Rose questioned, “Do parties cost a lot?”
Mother Farley replied, “Not a lot, but enough. We’d need to buy apples, marshmallows…”
At this, Teddy interrupted, “Oh, Mother Farley, don’t mention any more of those delicious things or I’ll just burst into tears.”
Mother Farley chuckled, “I wish you could have them, Teddy, but we have plenty to be thankful for. We’ve had good food and warm clothing all year.”
Fred, a thoughtful boy, chimed in, “We’re thankful, Mother Farley, but we can’t help thinking about the fun we might have had.”
Lucy added, “If you were in charge, we’d have a big party every holiday.”
Mother Farley’s eyes twinkled as she replied, “I’m glad you feel that way. It’s my mission to ensure you all have a wonderful time here.”
Suddenly, the doorbell rang loudly. The children looked at each other in surprise. Mother Farley rose to answer it, revealing the village children, all bundled up in their outdoor clothes.
The oldest village boy, Robert, spoke up. “We have permission from the directors to have our Halloween party here with your children. Can we?”
Mother Farley beamed, “I’m thrilled! This is going to be a memorable Halloween!”
Mary, a village girl, added, “We’ve brought jack-o’-lanterns, apples, and candy. The ice cream man will even bring ice cream and cake at nine!”
Teddy’s eyes widened, “Ice cream and cake! This will indeed be a Halloween to remember.”
And with that, the children from the village joined the orphans, promising a Halloween filled with laughter, joy, and plenty of treats. It was agreed that Mother Farley was the dearest matron any orphanage could ever have, and that night, the orphanage was filled with the sounds of the happiest Halloween it had ever known.
